Dodgers Outlast Padres in Back-and-Forth Battle

(By: Christian Monreal)

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their push to solidify first place in the NL West with a hard-fought 8–6 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. Fresh off a series win against the Padres last week, the Dodgers entered the matchup eager to widen the gap between the division rivals.

With injuries plaguing their starting rotation, Los Angeles opted for a bullpen game—an approach that proved successful during last year’s postseason run. The night got off to a rocky start, with the Padres grabbing an early 1–0 lead in the first inning after a pair of singles. But the Dodgers quickly answered in the second, as a Max Muncy sacrifice fly and an Andy Pages home run put L.A. ahead 2–1.

San Diego regained the lead in the third, capitalizing on two more hits to go up 3–2. But Pages struck again in the fourth, launching a solo shot to tie the game. Still deadlocked heading into the sixth, Will Smith broke through with a two-run homer following a grueling 12-pitch at-bat, giving the Dodgers a 5–3 advantage. The offense didn’t stop there—an RBI single by Pages and a double from Tommy Edman stretched the lead to 8–3.

Although the Padres mounted a response with three runs in the seventh, the Dodgers' bullpen held firm, securing the 8–6 win. Outfielder Andy Pages was the standout performer, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two home runs in what may be a key moment in his bid for his first All-Star appearance.

“Huge win… he had a big night,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s been fun watching Andy play baseball.”

Tuesday’s win marked the Dodgers’ fourth victory in their last five games against San Diego, and their fourth straight overall. The series continues through Thursday as the Dodgers aim to extend their lead atop the division.